News item | 14-03-2022 | 08:40
The Netherlands and Australia are starting legal proceedings at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) against Russia for its role in the downing of flight MH17. Both countries jointly filed a complaint against Russia with ICAO earlier today. The UN Security Council will also be informed about this step.
On May 25, 2018, the Netherlands and Australia held Russia liable under international law for its role in the downing of flight MH17. The negotiations on this have been unilaterally stopped by Russia. After Russia decided to end the negotiations between Australia and the Netherlands on the one hand and Russia on the other, Australia and the Netherlands considered the next steps. The submission of the complaint to the ICAO earlier today is the result of this. This is an independent and careful process and is independent of current developments in Ukraine.
International legal order
Minister Hoekstra of Foreign Affairs: ‘The cabinet will continue to do everything it can to hold Russia accountable for the downing of flight MH17 and the maintenance of the international legal order. The death of 298 civilians, including 196 Dutch, cannot and must not remain without consequences. The current events in Ukraine underline the crucial importance of this.’
Minister Harbers of Infrastructure and Water Management: ‘We want it to be internationally recognized and established that Russia is responsible for the disaster with flight MH17. The next of kin have a right to that. In addition, the government is making every effort to improve flight safety. We are doing everything we can to prevent a disaster such as flight MH17 from happening again.’
Cabinet Priority
The cabinet has always said that it will not rule out any legal option in the pursuit of truth, justice and accountability for the 298 victims of the downing of flight MH17 and their relatives. This is and will remain the government’s priority and today another important step is being taken in this regard.